As one of the most influential high school math competitions in the world, the Euclid Contest is not only a touchstone for testing mathematical ability but also a key advantage when applying to STEM programs at top universities in North America and the Commonwealth (especially Waterloo, UofT, UBC, Oxford/Cambridge G5, etc.). Now that the 2026 contest has concluded, this article provides an authoritative review and future planning based on the latest exam trends, score cutoffs, and academic pathways.
I. 2026 Exam Features: Steady with Changes, Emphasis on Process & Modeling
Stable structure: 10 long‑answer questions, 100 points total. All questions require handwritten solutions; no multiple‑choice or fill‑in‑the‑blank.
Clear difficulty gradient:
Questions 1–4: Basic level (algebra, equations, introductory geometry).
Questions 5–7: Intermediate comprehensive problems (probability & counting, function properties, analytic geometry).
Questions 8–10: Challenging high‑level problems (recursive functions, combinatorial construction, abstract proofs) — extremely difficult to crack.
Core topics covered: Algebraic operations, analytic geometry, probability & counting, comprehensive geometry, polynomial theory. All are within the high school syllabus, but the emphasis is on knowledge transfer and model building.
Trends: Continues the direction of “text → mathematical model,” with moderate computation but extremely high demands on case classification, range constraints, and logical rigor.
II. Major Points of Point Loss: Missing Process & Weak Modeling
1. Non‑standard solution writing
A large number of candidates write only the final answer and omit key steps (e.g., equation simplification, geometric derivation, probability enumeration).
Consequence: Even if the final answer is correct, they lose many steps points because the process is missing.
Countermeasure: Develop the habit of “every step has a basis” and use English logical connectors (Let, Since, Therefore) to link ideas.
2. Insufficient ability to convert text into mathematical model
When faced with word problems (e.g., distance, percentages, dice probability, area optimization), they cannot quickly extract conditions and set up equations or inequalities.
Typical sticking points: Defining recursive functions, geometric extremum problems, digit counting.
Countermeasure: Train specifically on “modeling word problems” by extracting common scenarios from NYT articles and CEMC past papers.
3. Inadequate case classification
In problems such as integer solutions, peak permutations, and obtuse triangle determination, frequent mistakes include missing cases, extraneous solutions, and range errors.
Countermeasure: Create a “checklist of cases” and verify boundary conditions after solving.
III. Summary of Historical Cutoff Scores
Based on official and authoritative institutional data:
| Year | Top 25% Cutoff | Top 5% (Honor Roll) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 65 | 87 |
| 2024 | 69 | 89 |
• The top 25% cutoff is stable at 66–68 points: you need to solidly secure the first 6 questions (about 60 points) and then earn 10 step points from the last 4 questions to win an award.
• The top 5% cutoff is falling: because Q9–Q10 are highly abstract, top students’ scores are suppressed, and 85 points can already challenge the global top 2.5%.
• “Middle‑segment squeeze, high‑segment fall” is a notable feature of 2026.
IV. What to Do After the Contest: Turn Your Contest Experience into Application Assets
1. Organize your contest experience to create strong Personal Statement (PS) material
G5 and US universities allow you to mention your contest experience in the personal statement / Common App essay. It is recommended to summarise from the following perspectives:
Preparation duration and methods (e.g., “I intensively practiced two sets of past papers each week, focusing on analytic geometry”).
Difficulties overcome (e.g., “Transitioning from skipping steps to full derivation — enhancing logical rigor”).
Exam hall strategy (e.g., “Time allocation: 90 minutes for the first 6 questions, 60 minutes for the last 4”).
Deeper understanding of mathematics or your intended major (e.g., “Euclid made me realize that mathematics is the language for modeling the world”).
2. Save your scores and certificates promptly
Scores are expected to be released in mid‑to‑late May 2026 (3–4 weeks after the contest).
Log in to the CEMC official website to download your PDF certificate.
Scan and archive with a standardised filename (e.g., Euclid2026_ZhangSan_85.pdf).
If used for UCAS, ensure it is uploaded in the “Qualifications” or “Additional Info” section.
V. Subsequent Academic Planning: The Euclid Contest Is Only the Starting Point
If your goal is Oxbridge, G5, or US Top 30 universities, proceed with the following schedule:
| Time | Key Tasks |
|---|---|
| 2026 May – June | Crunch time for A‑Level / IB / AP final exams; your school grades are the foundation. |
| 2026 June – August | Determine your intended major and target universities; research admissions test requirements. |
| 2026 August – September | Start preparing for MAT / STEP / TMUA (required for Oxford/Cambridge Math/CS); simultaneously prepare the first draft of your UCAS personal statement. |
| 26 October 2026 | UCAS deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, and medical programmes. |
| 14 January 2027 | Regular UCAS deadline for most undergraduate programmes (earlier than previous years). |
• High scorers in Euclid → aim for BMO, AMC12, COMC.
• Combine your contest experience with further work in mathematical modeling or algorithm research projects to form a complete academic narrative.
